Moonwalk
The #1 New York Times bestseller! Michael Jackson’s one and only autobiography – his life, in his words.
With original Foreword by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a new Introduction by Motown founder Berry Gordy, and an Afterword by Michael Jackson’s editor and publisher, Shaye Areheart.
“I’ve always wanted to be able to tell stories, you know, stories that came from my soul. I’d like to sit by a fire and tell people stories – make them see pictures, make them cry and laugh, take them anywhere emotionally with something as deceptively simple as words. I’d like to tell tales to move their souls and transform them. I’ve always wanted to be able to do that. Imagine how the great writers must feel, knowing they have that power. I sometimes feel I could do it. It’s something I’d like to develop. In a way, songwriting uses the same skills, creates the emotional highs and lows, but the story is a sketch. It’s quicksilver. There are very few books written on the art of storytelling, how to grip listeners, how to get a group of people together and amuse them. No costumes, no makeup, no nothing, just you and your voice, and your powerful ability to take them anywhere, to transform their lives, if only for minutes.” –Michael Jackson, in Moonwalk
From the 1988 edition:
Megastar Michael Jackson’s singularly brilliant career and intensely private lifestyle have become a magnificent obsession for millions of rock fans and celebrity watchers throughout the world. His double-platinum singles rocket to the top of the music charts with a velocity equaled only by the inevitable accompaniment of wild rumors about his eccentric personal life. Now for the first time, Michael Jackson breaks the fiercely guarded barrier of silence that has surrounded him in a remarkably candid and courageous book — Moonwalk.
In this intimate and often moving personal account of Michael Jackson’s public and private life, he recalls a childhood that was both harsh and joyful but always formidable. Michael and his brothers played amateur music shows and seamy Chicago strip joints until Motown’s corporate image makers turned the Jackson 5 into worldwide superstars. Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 have combined sales of over 200 million albums. He talks about the happy prankster days of his youth, traveling with his brothers, and of his sometimes difficult relationships with his family over the years. He speaks candidly about the inspiration behind his music, his mesmerizing dance moves, and the compulsive drive to create that has made him one of the biggest stars in the music business and a legend in his own time. The Guinness Book of World Records lists Thriller as the biggest-selling-album of all time.
In Moonwalk, Michael Jackson shares his personal feelings about some of his most public friends…friends like Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, and Katharine Hepburn. He talks openly about the crushing isolation of his fame, of his first love, of his plastic surgery, and of his wholly exceptional career and the often bizarre and unfair rumors that have surrounded it.
Illustrated with rare photographs from Jackson family albums and Michael’s personal photographic archives, as well as a drawing done by Michael exclusively for this book, Moonwalk is a memorable journey to the very heart and soul of a modern musical genius.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Michael’s Own Words
A touching and heartbreaking autobiography. Michael Jackson relives his difficult childhood, his feelings for his family, crushes and friends. The hard work it took to get to the top, the sacrifices and the undeniable effects of extreme loneliness are all in this book. You can’t help but feel Michael’s pain and wish you could make it better. His thoughts, inspirations and dreams of the future are all here. some he realized like making film inspired videos. He definitely had the acting bug, especially after making the wiz a dream that wasn’t fully developed because of his music career. A quick read for all Michael Jackson fans interested in his history and mind set during that period of his life.
5 Stars Like A Personal Meeting With MJ
This book is a wonderful look into MJ from his early days until 1988 when the book was released. If ur educated on the man & have seen his few but honest interviews, as well as acknowledging his musical genius & humanitarian achievements, this book gives u a deeper glimpse into his character & takes u back 2 things he’s mentioned before & things u never knew! He tells the funniest stories w/ such charisma that just make u smile & laugh. He also goes in 2 personal issues: love life, appearance ect. It also has sad ironic moments where he talks about the way he’d never want to end up, which is actually the way he died (stress, painkillers, ect.) & how he can only imagine the things he’d accomplish by 88 yrs old. This book isn’t all there ever was to MJ, it was finished by his Bad Tour, but it’s the [only 1] to trust since it’s written in [his own] words. After 1988 was when: he became the undisputed *King of Pop*, Dangerous tour, started Heal the World Foundation, married LMP, charges #1, got sued 4 every ridiculous thing including his own songs, HIStory Tour, married Debbie, had children, Invincible album (his last), charges #2; big trial, recived all these lifetime recognitions, was getting ready for his big comeback. Hence, I’m pretty sure he’d have [S0 MUCHHH] more 2 say in a “Moonwalk Part 2″ but D0N’T buy the garbage “biographies” that are filled w/ the same sensationalism the tabloids have. U’ll just be contributing 2 the lies people have always said about him. Trust the honest few interviews he’s done & G00D intentions he’s always had & [this book] which is like a personal meeting w/ the king himself. Consider us lucky. He had last minuet doubts of releasing the book because of his value for privacy.
5 Stars Great book!
Michael Jackson in my opinion is with no dought, the world’s greatest entertainer. But he is also a great humanitarian and many other great traits.
This book by Michael itself is great! I loved it! It says the truth. And it talks about Michael’s carrier in his own words.
This is a great book. And the fact that is written by Michael makes it even more wonderful!
4 Stars DELIGHTFUL
This is a really easy to read book. Very matter of fact and as it’s written by Michael Jackson himself it is a real joy. It’s a very nice looking book as well and I particularly like the way his signature is on one of the front pages so you feel as though he has actually signed it for the reader. It’s delightful. It is interesting how the reader has the opportunity to ‘hear’ Michael Jackson’s version and intepretation of various events, which is markedly different from the tabloid press and various writers. If you have already read books about Michael Jackson, you will recognise some of the events mentioned in the book. The reader gets an insight into Michael Jackson’s interpretation of the world rather than the tabloids’ interpretation of Michael Jackson’s world.
5 Stars Must read book
Although this was written when he was younger, it was a good read. It gave me insight into the way he saw his life. He gave up so much for his music. We lost an incredible person. May he rest in peace.